TEL AVIV, December 22. /TASS/. Servicemen of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have destroyed an extensive network of tunnels in what they described as Hamas’ "Elite Quarter" in Gaza City, the IDF press service said.

"‘Yahalom’ Unit Combat Engineering Forces destroyed a network of underground tunnels in Hamas' "Elite Quarter" in Gaza City," the press service said in a statement.

According to the report, IDF forces had "exposed the terrorist infrastructure" in Gaza City, which included "a large network of strategic underground tunnels which connect hideouts, and bureaus belonging to Hamas’ senior military and political leadership."

"Today (Thursday), the network of tunnels was destroyed in a controlled manner," the IDF said.

On Wednesday, IDF reported that its troops had taken over the "elite quarter" in downtown Gaza, which "was a center of power for Hamas’ military and political wings.".